at its bottom

USAGE SUMMARY

"at its bottom" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the lowest or deepest part of something, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "The river was murky, but at its bottom, you could still see small fish swimming around." In this sentence, "at its bottom" refers to the bottom of the river. Example: "The company's financial troubles were caused by corruption at its bottom." In this sentence, "at its bottom" refers to the root or underlying cause of the company's problems.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the top of the palacsinta dries up, (less than a minute) take a look at its bottom, it should be a little darker than the original shade of the mixture.

WikiHow

The lower strake was 305 mm thick, 2.7 m high, and tapered to a thickness of 100 mm at its bottom edge; above it was a strake of 229 mm armor that was 1.7 m high.

Wikipedia

The ship's waterline armor belt was 305 mm thick and tapered to a thickness of 100 mm at its bottom edge; above it was a strake of 229 mm armor.

Wikipedia

Overlap it with a circle at its bottom.

WikiHow

By the end of the week, BP technicians should be able to intersect the crippled well at its bottom and then pump more mud and cement into it for the final kill.

The New York Times

To our astonishment it had a completely different type of microbial mat growing at its bottom.

The New York Times

That's why I find it especially delicious that a multi-billion-dollar corporation glanced at its bottom line and fired him.

The New Yorker

At its bottom, he said, classical music is a business.

The New York Times - Arts

We estimate how much the spectrum expands at its bottom for operators on ℓ2 Zd).

Journal of Functional Analysis

Down at its bottom another man shovelled wet cement onto the broken bits of plastic.

The Economist

At its bottom, all that was visible was the bill of a blue cap.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing hierarchical structures or systems, "at its bottom" can be used to highlight elements fundamental to stability or functionality.

Common error

Avoid using "at its bottom" in abstract contexts where the meaning might become unclear or ambiguous. Choose more precise wording to ensure clarity in conveying the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its bottom" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by indicating a location or position. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form in English. It often specifies where something is situated, either physically or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at its bottom" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the lowest point or foundation of something, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and broad usage across diverse contexts like news, science, and wiki entries demonstrate its reliability. While it is a common phrase, writers should remain mindful of the abstract contexts. By understanding its function and purpose, you can confidently incorporate "at its bottom" into your writing to add clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its base

Replaces 'bottom' with 'base', emphasizing the foundational aspect.

at its lowest point

Specifies the lowest physical or metaphorical position.

at the foot of it

Uses 'foot' to indicate the lower part, often used for mountains or structures.

at its foundation

Highlights the underlying structure or principle.

at the nadir of it

Replaces 'bottom' with 'nadir', referring to the lowest point.

at its core

Focuses on the central or most important part.

at the root of it

Indicates the origin or cause of something.

on its underside

Refers to the surface facing downward.

at its depths

Emphasizes the deepest part or most profound level.

in its infrastructure

Focuses on the structures beneath the surface.

FAQs

How can I use "at its bottom" in a sentence?

You can use "at its bottom" to describe the lowest part of a physical object, as in "The well had two chambers "at its bottom"". It can also refer to the foundational element of an abstract concept.

What are some alternatives to "at its bottom"?

Alternatives include "at its base", "at its lowest point", or "at its foundation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "at its bottom" formal or informal?

The phrase "at its bottom" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "at its bottom" and "at the bottom"?

"At its bottom" refers specifically to the bottom of a particular item or concept that has already been mentioned. "At the bottom" is more general and can refer to the lowest part of something without a specific prior reference.